Despite rapid industrialization and pollution, the Nashville crayfish, one of the smallest endangered species in the state of Tennessee, is facing the elimination of its vital habitat protection. Sign the petition to ask that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service maintain endangered species status for the crayfish in order to protect it from extinction.

Nashville is the seventh-fastest growing city in the United States. As a result, the rare crayfish has been subject to habitat loss due to development and dam construction. Meanwhile, climate change, pollution, and sedimentation pose added threats. The Mill Creek Watershed, where the species used to thrive, sees as many as 82 new people move to the area per day.

With this increase in development and population, the Nashville crayfish deserves protection now more than ever. Despite this, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has recommended that it be removed from the nation’s list of endangered species. The species has only lived this long due to the protections the list affords. Sign the petition to ask that the Nashville crayfish not be robbed of its endangered species status.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Director Skipwith,

The small Nashville crayfish faces a big threat. Its habitat in and around Nashville has seen rapid development and pollution. The species has been protected from this development thanks in part to its status as an endangered species. To remove this status would mean certain extinction.

The Nashville crayfish cannot survive urbanization without the Endangered Species Act and the protections it affords. The Act has done its duty so far. Please don’t abandon the species now.